Show Your Appreciation for Your Children’s Teachers

One of the most difficult issues I’ve faced as a mom is putting my child in the hands of someone else while I went to work to make a living. My mom worked outside of the home when I was growing up, but I didn’t go to daycare I went to my grandma’s house. My grandma’s house was a safe haven where I played, ate, and was loved unconditionally. I never thought much about my mom working because the environment I was in was so nurturing. When, I became a mom I dreaded the decision of putting my daughter in a daycare with strangers. Luckily, I was blessed with wonderful caregivers who took excellent care of my daughter while I worked. Of course there is a rarely a moment that passes that I don’t think about Anya while I’m at work and my goal is to eventually work at home. But, until then I have to put my faith in God and trust her teachers to take care of her. Teachers carry a huge responsibility and in my opinion are grossly underpaid.

Recently, I was speaking to one of Anya’s previous teachers and she mentioned wanting a journal to record her students in. I told Anya and we bought Miss Rosemary a journal and a thank you card. The smile on her face was priceless. She was touched by our gesture and I was grateful for her giving me peace of mind when Anya was in her care. Teachers have one of the most important jobs around, taking care of our precious children.

Here are a few ideas on how to show that special teacher in your child’s life just how much you appreciate their dedication to your children.

Implement a Teacher Appreciation Day or Week

If you belong to a Parent Teacher’s Association bring up the idea of starting a teacher’s appreciation day or week if one isn’t in place. You can have a potluck for a luncheon, do a raffle to buy each teacher a small gift, or do a teacher of the year award. Here is a great website that will give you some ideas https://www.teacher-appreciation.info/ on how to make teacher appreciation week a success.This year (2011) teacher appreciation week is from May 2-6th.

Thank You Cards and Letters

Nothing says thank you more than a handmade card from your child to their teacher. Encourage your children to write thank you notes or cards to their teachers letting them know how much they appreciate them. You may want to talk to other parents in the classroom and ask them to have their child write a short letter of thank you to their teacher at the end of the year, then compile them and put them in an album or scrapbook. If you have pictures from events add them to the photo album, this is a great keepsake.

Give Them a Basket

If you are able to find out their favorite desserts, why not surprise them with a homemade or store bought tasty dessert. You can cheaply buy a basket and fill it with yummy treats and tie it up with a bow. The kids can participate by baking or assembling the basket. Another basket their teacher is sure to love is a basket full of delightful spa goodies. If it is a male you may want to stick to edible treats, not sure if he’ll enjoy a body scrub, but hey you never know!

Gift Certificates

Money is tight, but if you have a few extra dollars a gift certificate for a meal, movie, or bookstore always makes a great gift because it gives them the freedom to choose something they’ll enjoy.

The simplest way to show your appreciation to your child’s teacher is to take the time to say good morning, ask them about their day, and be an involved parent if you’re able volunteer every once in awhile to help out . Take time to cultivate a relationship with your children’s teacher. Encourage your children to respect their teacher and give them an understanding that their teachers work hard to teach them and to protect them when they’re away from you.

Copyright © Chere Williams, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved